Tabla de contenidos para March 2024 en Prima UK

One day, I was out walking my dog, Scamper, in the village where I live when I spotted a woman on a patch of land, knee-deep in weeds and shovelling furiously at the ground. ‘Are you okay?’ I asked. She smiled, pointing across the road. ‘I live over there and every time I come out of my house I see this overgrown patch. I thought I’d brighten it up with some bulbs.’ That was a year ago and the area now looks so pretty and tidy, with a gorgeous flourish of blooms coming up from spring to summer. Of course, you can’t just go around replanting areas without permission from the landowners, but I’ll always remember that little transformation by a kind-hearted soul in my village. So when The Wildlife…

Prehistory: Breasts as givers of life For our prehistoric ancestors, life was a constant struggle to find enough food, and a woman’s breasts were the only way to feed infants. They were seen as so key that large breasts are the most noticeable feature in the first representations of human beings, dating back more than 40,000 years. Some 200 Venus figurines – small fertility goddesses made of bone, soft stone or clay – have been found all over Europe, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic era. Archaeologists believe these were meant to portray ideals of female beauty and celebrate the power of the breast to grow the tribe. As humankind began to gather in permanent settlements around 11,000 BCE and the first civilisations started to form, from 3,000 BCE onwards,…

Bestselling Irish novelist Cecelia Ahern had the daunting task of choosing a winner from your brilliant entries to our most recent short story competition. The author of timeless favourites such as P.S. I Love You and Love, Rosie was joined by Prima editor and keen reader Jo Checkley to judge the entries. The competition was launched last year when we invited you to write a story of your choosing, starting with an opening paragraph written by Cecelia. We were thrilled when so many of you took up the challenge. RUNNERS-UP We’re delighted to also announce the five runners-up, who each win a signed copy of Cecelia’s unforgettable new novel, In A Thousand Different Ways. They are: Carolyne Cadman from Stafford; Fiona Donn from Oban, Argyll; Aimi Loseby from Oundle, Northamptonshire;…

CECELIA AHERN SAYS: ‘With a short story, you can pick a small moment in time and make it centre stage. You can capture a snapshot of a moment and have fun by writing in an unconventional way. You have a shorter amount of time to make an impact, so everything can be heightened. ‘The winner and runners-up each had their own distinctive voice and approached the story from different angles and perspectives. I loved Janet’s descriptive writing. It’s a very visual story – the colours were vivid and I had a strong sense of the characters. The most wonderful thing is that I didn’t know where the story was going. I felt myself reading faster to get to the end, to discover what the characters’ great revelation would be. It was…

Prima is on the hunt for a neglected piece of land that can be turned into an outdoor haven – and we’d love you to get involved! There’s nothing more disheartening than walking past a neglected patch of land and wishing it could be prettier. The UK is teeming with eyesore areas just begging to be transformed; from small pieces of land for resting tired feet to allotment plots where plants can be nurtured and out-of-town green spaces where you can get close to nature. Looking to create these community spaces is The Wildlife Trusts, a federation of 46 independent wildlife conservation charities covering the whole of the UK. Its teams of volunteers are waiting in the wings to tend these unloved spots of land and turn them into something…

It may be that most of your life admin is already online, in folders on your computer and managed via apps on your phone, or you may be a meticulous hoarder who keeps every piece of paperwork ‘just in case’. Whatever your system, just like your home, it pays to give things a spring-clean. Our rundown of what to keep, bin, delete and renew will get you started. Life Keep the following documents in a secure place. You can apply for replacements, but it can be a hassle and will cost you. ● Birth, adoption, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates. If you lose any of these, use the General Register Office in England and Wales to apply for a copy. In Scotland, visit mygov.scot, and in Northern Ireland, go through…

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You might have been doing it forever, but it’s time to take a fresh look at DIY dye. ‘I think people are finally realising what they can achieve with colour at home, especially if they have a brand that starts with an expert formulation,’ says A-list colourist Josh Wood. ‘Done properly, it makes hair look glossier and healthier.’ Here’s how you can perfect your technique and get your most luxe-looking colour ever, all at a fraction of the salon price. Get an expert eye on your DIY Even if you’re an old hand, it’s well worth taking professional advice (without the professional price) to ensure you’re using the right colour in the right way. Joshwoodcolour.com recently introduced free one-to-one video consultations where an expert will walk you through shade choices…

● REMOVE TRIP HAZARDS, clear pathways of clutter, and use non-slip mats and carpet grippers to secure rugs. ● AVOID WALKING IN SOCKS or wearing novelty slippers – opt for supportive, non-slip footwear inside the house. ● ADEQUATE LIGHTING is vital, especially in halls and stairways where there is more risk of falling. Plug-in night lights can be useful, too. ● FITTING HANDRAILS along stairwells can offer extra support, as can grab bars near the toilet and shower. Perhaps consider a shower chair, too.…

‘What’s the name of that actress? You know, the brunette with the safety pin dress who dated Hugh Grant? Linda, Laura, Lauren…?’ If you’re like us, you’re nodding in recognition, because you occasionally have these kinds of conversations. These are sometimes referred to as ‘brain blips’, which are tip-of-your-tongue moments when you can’t quite remember a name or word that used to be easy to retrieve. As you get older, brain blips can happen more often, along with things like misplacing your phone three times in one day and opening the fridge door only to forget what you needed. (By the way, the answers to the above mysteries are Liz Hurley, in your handbag and butter.) Some people jokingly call these blips ‘senior moments’, but behind the self-deprecating humour, there…

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? ‘A collection of warning signs that show up when the brain stops working as well as it used to,’ says Professor June Andrews, author of Dementia: The One-Stop Guide (Profile Books). ‘It’s defined as dementia only if the signs continue to get worse, with a permanent deterioration.’ WHAT CAUSES IT? Dementia is not a normal part of ageing – it’s caused by diseases of the brain and the causes aren’t fully understood. ‘With Alzheimer’s, abnormal clumps appear in the brain tissue, along with tangled fibres that shouldn’t be there, which damages the structure and chemistry of the brain,’ says Dr Clare Walton from the Alzheimer’s Society. WHEN WILL THERE BE A CURE? ‘Dementia is progressive and irreversible and there’s currently no cure,’ says Professor Rob Howard, professor of…

‘The most basic skill of origami is folding paper precisely and creating strong, straight creases,’ explains Mari Ono, the author of a new book, Origami Butterflies, Birds & Bees. ‘This can be achieved through concentration and ensuring folded edges and corners match perfectly before firming up creases.’ DIFFICULTY RATING The complexity of each project has been calculated on a scale of one to three dots with one dot being Level 1, the simplest. LADYBUG The spectacular ladybug is one of the most vivid insects found in the garden, sometimes seen in large groups flying through the leaves and branches. Sadly, these origami ladybugs will never fly but you could use them as decoration near the window in your room, or put one on a greetings card to a friend. In…

Measurements To fit chest: 81-86(91-97:102-107: 112-117:122-127:132-137)cm. Actual chest: 96(106:116:126:136: 146)cm. Full length: 57(59:61.5:64:66:68)cm. Sleeve length: 46(45:44:44:42:42)cm. Materials ● 3(4:4:5:5:5) 100g balls Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Lilac (A); 1(1:1:1:1:2) 100g balls in Pastel Pink (B). ● 4.5mm crochet hook. ● 2 stitch markers. Tension 16 sts and 9 rows to 10cm square over treble crochet using a 4.5mm hook. 9-row criss-cross pattern at base of body and sleeves measures 5cm in length using 4.5mm hook. Abbreviations ch chain; dc double crochet; dc blo double crochet in back loop; dtr double treble; htr half treble; tr treble crochet; rep repeat; RS right side; sl st slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es); tr treble crochet; tog together; WS wrong side; * repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed. Pattern note The sample…

Charred corn fritters To make these gluten-free, use gluten-free self-raising flour (we like Freee) and make sure the brands of polenta and salsa are gluten-free, too. SERVES 4 PREP 30min, plus cooling COOK about 25min • 3tbsp olive oil• 2tsp hot smoked paprika• 3 corn on the cob• 150g self-raising flour• 100g quick-cook/instant polenta• 2 medium eggs• 275ml milk• 4 spring onions, finely chopped TO SERVE • 4 fried eggs• 1 avocado, sliced• Fresh tomato salsa 1 Rub 1tbsp oil and the hot smoked paprika all over the corn on the cob (using your hands is easiest). Heat a large frying pan over high heat and fry the cobs, turning regularly, for 10min, or until charred. Cool completely. 2 Slice the kernels off the cobs: on a board, hold a…

Bold bedroom George Home’s new Parisian Breakfast range will instantly bring a certain je ne sais quoi. Spotlight on… NEXT HOME Here is a snapshot of Next Home’s new art and nature trend. 3 of the BEST DIFFUSERS Bring beautiful aroma into your home. Genius idea Multifunctional furniture mixes the best of both worlds – this footstool doubles up as storage. RETRO LIGHTING Inspired by the shapes and curves of 1970s and 1980s trends, Houseof introduces new moulded glass shades, The Flower Collection. The wall light (left) has an adjustable shade so the light can be directed, making it a great choice above a sofa. STYLE IT FOR £10 & UNDER Grab a bargain for your home.…

A holiday isn’t just an opportunity to relax and recharge, it can also be a chance to learn new things and create new experiences. You’ll be taught by expert tutors, meet new friends and no doubt have a few laughs along the way. Join these specially designed breaks and take in the beautiful landscapes of the Peak District, the impossibly pretty Cotswolds or head to bustling Bologna – an Italian city renowned for its cuisine. LEARN TO DRAW IN THE PEAK DISTRICT Join a small group and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on this four-day drawing retreat for beginners to the spectacular Peak District. It really is the perfect location for this artistic experience, as you can find plenty of inspiration in your surroundings. Learning to draw as an…

The USA’s Deep South has timeless appeal, with a strong musical heritage, plus authentic culture and hospitality. This nine-day trip through America’s musical heartland will take you from the cradle of rock ’n’ roll to the birthplace of jazz. Starting in Georgia, you’ll visit locations marked by musical icons Hank Williams, Fats Domino, WC Handy, Robert Johnson, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and, of course, Elvis. You’ll stay in the iconic French Quarter of New Orleans and see the house in Tupelo, Mississippi, where Elvis Aaron Presley was born. Then it’s on to Memphis, where the King made his home. You’ll also visit Graceland, Elvis’s last recording studio and his final resting place. Your trip ends in country music capital Nashville, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B,…

STAR OF THE MONTH PISCES 20 February to 20 March If money is an issue, try to stay calm, as the more you panic, the more chaos you will create in your life. The eclipse this month gives you a chance to turn things around financially, so now’s the time to make a solid plan and stick to it. ARIES 21 March to 20 April Think carefully about your next romantic relationship move: ideally, meditate and contemplate. If you’re not sure what to do, feel what your heart is telling you. There is an eclipse in your Love Zone and it’s time to move out of one old relationship cycle and into the next. May the odds be ever in your favour! TAURUS 21 April to 21 May Every year,…

My ideal night in begins with… Changing into my softest, fluffiest most comfortable hoodie and getting under the heated blanket. I’ll invite along… My sister, Jag. We don’t see each other on our own very often, because of kids and family. I’ll be eating… Doritos with all the dips, then something home-made by my mum. We’ll finish with Maltesers and doughnuts. And drinking… Indian chai with cardamom and cloves. It’s so comforting because it’s what we grew up on. Top of my party playlist is… Madonna’s The Immaculate Collection album, with some bhangra and Punjabi dance music mixed in. My best-ever dinner party was… When I invited lots of family round who don’t see one another very often. I made butter chicken and chole (chickpea daal) from scratch, and everyone…

In Memoriam by Alice Winn (Penguin, £9.99) This epic tale – winner of Waterstones’ Novel of the Year 2023 and a Sunday Times Bestseller – garnered high praise on its publication last year. A love story between two young men, Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood, amid the trenches of the First World War, it’s a future classic. Out in paperback on 29 February.…

Emma Hardie stands for skincare that not only delivers results but is also a joy to use. Gentle yet effective botanicals are included throughout the range to serve multiple skin types (dry, oily and everything in between) and create gorgeous scents and textures. We’re confident that everything from the brand feels like a treat, but these are some of our highlights… TO HYDRATE Banishing winter dryness can be a challenge, but the Brilliance Facial Oil, £43, and Vitamin C Radiance Gel Moisturiser, £53, make it easier. If there was ever a facial oil to convert the doubters, this would be it; it’s rich enough to hydrate deeply while being lightweight enough to absorb with ease (no sticky pillowcases here). The moisturiser goes above its station, too, and does far more than…

It was a day like any other when it first happened. I was at the wheel of my car at a familiar local junction on my way to drop my son at a party when the lights turned red. I’d driven this route almost every week for the past 12 years, but suddenly I couldn’t breathe, my vision went blurry and the sweat started to pool in my armpits and trickle down my chest. My arms shook as I gripped the steering wheel. I had a feeling I had never experienced before: it was an out-of-control moment when I was suspended in fear. And, with my 11-year-old son in the back seat, I felt frightened, faint and impotent. But I managed not to let him know and when the lights…

Our overall winner is Janet Boyle, who wins £200 plus a bundle of signed copies of Cecelia’s novels. The 62-year-old, who lives in Cumbria with her husband and their rescue dog, says, ‘I’ve wanted to be a writer since high school, but was constantly told that very few novelists make enough money to pay the bills, and was steered towards careers that were considered to be more reliable. I was lucky enough to be able to take early retirement from my job as an NHS radiographer, working for the National Breast Screening service, to focus on my writing. ‘When I was working, I always had some kind of writing project on the go. I wrote stories for my two children when they were small, although it wasn’t always easy to…

‘Watching a family of ducks waddle past my office window, I beam with pride at what we’ve created. As manager of the Riverside Centre community hub in Dover, I’d always wanted to do something with the unused land next to our building. It had been left untouched for years and I thought it would be the ideal space for a community garden. Last year, I finally decided to make it happen and approached Dover District Council for a grant to get the garden started. I told The Wildlife Trusts my plan and it was keen to help bring the project to life. The Environment Agency came to advise on how not to harm the surrounding environment or wildlife. Next, I recruited a team of volunteers to help clear away the…

STEAM CLEAN Q What’s the best way to clean the splatter stains inside my microwave? A ‘To get rid of stains such as tomato sauce and soup, steam the interior of the microwave,’ says Thea Whyte at ao.com. ‘Fill a microwaveable bowl with water and a few slices of lemon and heat on medium power for a maximum of five minutes. Once the time’s up, leave the door closed for 10 minutes to allow the steam to loosen stains, then simply wipe away with a cloth. For tougher stains, make a thick paste of baking soda and water and leave on the stains for 15-20 minutes. Scrub clean, and finish by wiping with a damp cloth. Aim to clean your microwave weekly to avoid unpleasant odours and a build-up of…

THE CARGO TROUSERS Functional, modern and cool – make this season’s cargo trousers the cornerstone of your closet. Wear them instead of jeans to lend a youthful edge to Breton stripes and tap into spring’s laid-back style aesthetic. Our top tip? Balance out the baggier silhouette with form-fitting tops and smart, tailored jackets for a flattering finish. THE BLUE STRIPED SHIRT A striped cotton shirt hits that sweet spot between smart and casual and will add a chic finish to every outfit. It can be endlessly reinvented – try it worn open over a T-shirt, styled over a slim rollneck, layered under knitwear or worn as a standalone piece. Button it up, cuff the sleeves, pop the collar and make it your own. THE DENIM SKIRT Looking for a new…

1 SKIPPING THE PATCH TEST Yes, even if you’ve used the product before. It’s really not worth the risk. It’s possible to become allergic to a hair dye at any time, so always patch test 48 hours before any application. 2 GOING TOO DARK ‘This is a common mistake with permanent home dye – it can look harsh and it’s hard to fix,’ says Michael. ‘If you’re wavering between two shades, go for the lighter one; it’s easy to add a darker dye over the top, but it’s a salon job to strip out a too-dark colour.’ Using a virtual try-on service can help steer you away from disaster – Garnier and L’Oréal Paris have them on their websites. 3 APPLYING A WHOLE HEAD OF PERMANENT COLOUR EACH TIME ‘People think it’s…

I turned up to my dawn swim recently with the most spectacular grazes on my nose and forehead following a fall. Turned out, I wasn’t the only one who’d experienced this. Many of my friends reported recent falls, too, yet it’s something we rarely talk about. There are many positive things about growing older, but the increased risk of falls isn’t one of them. With age, muscles weaken, balance becomes less stable, strength diminishes and vision and flexibility often decline. Long-term health conditions, such as heart disease, dementia and low blood pressure (hypotension), can also lead to dizziness and falls – and this is before you even factor in icy winter pavements. Q CAN MEDICATION INCREASE MY RISK? A combination of low blood A pressure, pain medication and a glass…

GOODERS need to please and be thought of as looking or being good, in order to feel secure and worthy. EFFORTERS think that if they just try hard enough, they can make everything perfect, and part of that work is saying yes to things they don’t really want to do. AVOIDERS say yes because they want to avoid discomfort, confrontation and their fears. SAVERS try to be the solution to other people’s problems by taking on responsibility for them, and by ‘giving’ through fixing, helping and rescuing, in order to feel needed, purposeful and valuable. SUFFERERS try to show how good they are in order to get a person to acknowledge, appreciate or love them, even though this can add to their own difficulties.…

We’re thrilled to bring you a fabulous collection of Prima yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks, available exclusively online and in-store at The Works. With a range of chunky, Aran and DK yarn to choose from, you’re sure to find the right option for your next knitting or crochet project. Our yarn is super soft and tactile, making it an absolute joy to work with. Better still, all of our yarn is made from 100% recycled acrylic. Prices start from just £3 a ball, so pick up a pair of 4mm or 10mm needles, or a set of colourful crochet hooks, and get making! Available in-store at The Works & online at theworks.co.uk Exclusively at Scan the QR code here to browse the full collection…

FREE* FOR PRIMA READERS NORMAL PRICE £2.99 These skirts are super stylish and easy to make – the hardest part is choosing which fabric to use. Try a stunning print in flowing viscose or a beautiful embroidered anglais cotton with a bit more structure, and pair with a relaxed shirt or jumper to keep your look fresh and modern. The knee-length option can be made with a scalloped hem, while the ‘midaxi’ length has front splits. EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER Order your free* pattern online and only pay £1 for postage (price without offer is £2.99)! To claim your exclusive reader offer, simply go to hearstmagazines.co.uk/pr-pattern-mar24 and place your order today! You’ll receive your FREE pattern direct to your door and pay just £1 for postage*. The price without this reader…

Measurements Bunny length: approx 37cm. Eggs length: approx 6cm. Materials ● 1 x 100g ball Prima DK Acrylic Wool each in Oatmeal (A); Pure White (B); Sage (C). Note For the pictured bunny, we used Latte for yarn A, which has now been discontinued, but Oatmeal will look just as lovely. ● Pair of 3.25mm knitting needles. ● Polyester toy stuffing. ● Safety eyes and nose or black thread. ● 5cm pompom maker (optional). Tension Tension is not required for this project. Abbreviations cm centimetre; cont continue; g gram; k knit; kfb knit into front and back of next stitch (1 stitch increase); m1 make 1 stitch; mm millimetre; p purl; pfb purl into front and back of next stitch (1 stitch increase); rep repeat; rem remaining; RS right side;…

1 Mediterranean magic When the days become longer and the weather starts to brighten, it’s time to give your home a fresher mood. Evoke a casual Mediterranean vibe in your bathroom with lightweight textiles such as cotton, linen and wicker. Add some home fragrance, too – candles and diffusers with scents of fresh lemon, sweet orange or green basil are perfect for bringing the sunshine in at this time of year. 2 Walk the line Stripes are a perennial favourite, but why not go beyond the classic shades of red and blue? Warmer colours can create an uplifting look that happily shrugs off the pattern’s nautical vibe, as the bold sunshine yellow here shows. For a similar shade, try Dulux’s Honey Mustard or, if you’re less confident about your painting…

SKY’S THE LIMIT Looking for relaxation and adventure? Head to Ifuru Island in the Maldives. No News No Shoes has seven nights in a Sunset Beach Suite from £3,108pp all-inclusive, including flights and transfers, plus complimentary skydive, scuba dive or wedding! nonewsnoshoes.co.uk GO SOLO The new self-guided walking and cycling tours from Macs Adventure are ideal for solo travellers: you can head off on your own and yet be part of something. Macs Adventure ambassador, Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, will be trying the Classic Norway: Jotunheimen National Park trip this summer, from £1,750pp; macsadventure.com. Also check out his new book, The Hebridean Baker At Home. Culture capital The southern Estonian city of Tartu is European Capital of Culture 2024 (tartu2024.ee). The focus is on ‘Arts of Survival’, with activities…

Not a fan of flying? Want to travel greener? Or simply looking for something different this year? No-fly holidays are ideal if you’ve always wondered what it’s like to visit Europe by rail. Settle back and relish the slower pace of travel as you enjoy the comforts of a train journey – glimpse charming villages, marvel at snowy peaks and follow glistening rivers as you approach your destination. SOAK UP THE ITALIAN LAKES Travellers have enjoyed the beauty and tranquillity of the Italian lakes since the days of the Grand Tour. Follow in their footsteps and you too will be captivated by the region’s pretty lakeside towns, fragrant blooms and delicious cuisine. From your base in Lake Maggiore, you’ll take day trips to lakes Como and Orta, plus Locarno and…

Join us in the magnificent setting of Vrijthof Square, Maastricht, for an extraordinary night of musical entertainment as André Rieu and The Johann Strauss Orchestra perform one of their special evening concerts. Before the concert, you’ll have a guided visit to Maastricht, with its charming medieval-era architecture. You can also join a private river cruise to see the city from the water. Travel by air or Eurostar and stay in a four-star hotel of your choice. WHAT’S INCLUDED ● Two nights with bed and breakfast in a comfortable four-star hotel in Brussels, Eindhoven, Leuven or Hasselt. ● Return flights from the UK to Amsterdam or return Eurostar rail travel from London St Pancras to Brussels. ● A €65 face-value seated ticket to see André Rieu live at Vrijthof Square, upgrades…

This Love by Lotte Jeffs (Dialogue Books, £22) I read this incredible book about friendship, identity and belonging really slowly because I wanted to savour the story. I was bereft when I turned the last page, as I didn’t want to leave the two protagonists, Mae and Ari, behind. They meet at university and the book spans their lives over 10 years, through their ups and downs, past and future. Beautiful and full of emotion, it will stay with me for a long time. 8 February Nuclear Family by Kate Davies (The Borough Press, £16.99) Another story with brilliant characters. Lena surprises her twin sister, Alison, and father, Tom, with DNA testing kits for Christmas and their lives explode when Tom tells them he’s not their biological father. While Lena wants to…

The Painter’s Daughters by Emily Howes (Phoenix, £20) Inspired by the daughters of artist Thomas Gainsborough, this historical fiction debut is perfect for fans of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet. 29 February Where They Lie by Claire Coughlan (Simon & Schuster, £16.99) It’s 1968 and the bones of an actress who’s been missing for 25 years are found. Junior reporter Nicoletta investigates. Dark and atmospheric. 1 February A Sign Of Her Own by Sarah Marsh (Tinder Press, £18.99) As Alexander Graham Bell gets set to launch his telephone invention, Ellen, who is deaf, feels silenced. She is determined to have a voice. 1 February…

Mad as a March hare. Have you ever wondered where that expression comes from? It refers to hares getting overexcited in the March breeding season and has come to mean anyone who’s behaving in an unpredictable and excitable way! Let’s all be more like those March hares and be a little bit unpredictable – what do you think? Thinking of this, the other day I had a very funny conversation with someone. They must have thought me totally daft because, out of nowhere, I said, ‘Do you know what? I didn’t zip line once in 2023 and that’s crazy. I need to up my game and get out there.’ So I’ve made myself a promise to venture to Zip World in North Wales, which has the longest zip line in…

The beauty product I love… I’ve been using Nivea since I was 14. And I always take my makeup off with a hot flannel and olive oil – a makeup artist told me to do it when I started working in TV. The place I’m happiest… In my kitchen with my family, with all my kids around me, laughing. Gozo is also my happy place, and so is my garden shed. The song that gets me on the dancefloor… September by Earth, Wind & Fire. We don’t sing happy birthday to the boys; we sing this, because they were born in September. My foodie weakness… I’m quite good with food, believe it or not, but I do like an After Eight mint. We have them all year round, not just…

‘When I was a child, it was never spoken about’ MUM HILARY’S STORY:  Hilary Marsh, 74, lives in West Sussex. I have a vivid memory of Sarah at four years old, hurling her hearing aids across her bedroom floor. My heart went out to her because although the aids were a fraction of the size of the contraptions I’d had to wear, I remembered how it felt to be the only deaf child at school. I knew the struggles she would face as she tried to fit into a world full of people who could hear. There was no history of deafness in my family, yet while my brother could hear, my two sisters and I were born deaf. Mum was a teacher, Dad an academic, and while they were…

1 HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY ‘There is good evidence that HRT aids in settling anxiety at this time. Non-hormonal medications, such as beta blockers and some antidepressants, for those who can’t or won’t take HRT, can offer support as well,’ says Dr Louise Newson. 2 CALM NERVES ‘Breathwork, meditation and yoga can really help settle the nervous system and are proven ways to get on top of your nerves,’ says Fiona. 3 REFRAME THE FEAR Cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking therapy – can change how you think and behave. ‘CBT can be very effective if driving is your specific issue,’ says Fiona. ‘Just voicing and reframing fear can be beneficial.’ 4 STAY STRONG ‘Lifting weights and generally being your strongest self gives a sense of control,’ advises Dr Newson. ‘Taking…

SUNRISE ALARM CLOCKS These transform your mornings by simulating a natural sunrise and playing soothing sounds to gently rouse you. Here are our experts’ best buys. WINNER Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light, £169.99, philips.co.uk Features 20 levels of light intensity and plays seven natural sounds. It’s the most expensive option we tested, but it comes with a host of handy features, including USB charging. BEST WAKE-UP SOUNDS Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300, £149, lumie.com Offers an adjustable 15- to 90-minute sunrise and sunset simulation, as well as 15 wake-up sounds, including birdsong, waves and purring kittens! It was a little tricky to set up but, once sorted, it provided a smooth start to our testers’ days. BEST BUDGET BUY Groov-e Light Curve Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with Radio, £34.99, Robert Dyas An…

‘Anyone can fall, but the older we get, the harder it is to recover, which can have a long-term impact on health and wellbeing,’ says Kate Sheehan, occupational therapist for stannah.com. She advises: 1 Mop up any spills quickly. 2 Ask for help lifting anything that’s difficult to handle. 3 Keep your mobile with you so you can call for help. 4 A collar with a bell will help you locate your pet so you don’t trip over them. 5 Practise getting up off the floor weekly. It will get easier, as your muscles will remember the move.…

‘I’D RATHER NOT’ It’s softer than saying ‘no’, but is hard to argue with because it’s a declaration, not a point for debate. Remember, you don’t need to give an excuse or a reason not to do something if you don’t want to do it. ‘I’M GOING TO NEED MORE TIME’ This is useful in professional or time-consuming situations when you know you don’t have the bandwidth for something, or when you just need time to weigh up all the pros and cons before you give your final yes or no. ‘THAT DOESN’T WORK FOR ME’ This is a very clear way of giving a hard ‘no’ without actually uttering the word. Clarity is everything when communicating what you want or need. ‘THANKS FOR THINKING OF ME, BUT I CAN’T MAKE IT’ It…

THIS MONTH… You’ll find lots of crafting inspiration and fun over the next pages, plus, the results of our crafting survey on page 94, where we reveal the hot trends for 2024. Do send us photos of your lovely makes to prima.uk@hearst.co.uk and we’ll publish as many as we can – turn to page 153 to see this month’s creations. See over the page for our fab 16-PAGE MAKES SECTION…

These confetti candles are genuinely so quick and easy to make! You don’t need loads of tools, either – simply a hairdryer, greaseproof paper, crayons and a candle – and you can get started right away. You will need ✽ Scissors ✽ Greaseproof paper ✽ Dinner candles ✽ Coloured wax crayons ✽ Craft knife or sharp knife ✽ Heat gun or hairdryer To create ❶ Cut out a piece of greaseproof paper large enough to wrap around your candle. You can roll your candle a few times on to the paper to check the size. ❷ Choose your crayon colours and peel back any paper wrapping. Using a knife, carefully scrape tiny pieces of coloured wax on to the greaseproof paper sheet. Mix your colours to create a confetti effect.…

TREND WATCH ENGLISH PAPER PIECING Quilting is set to be a huge craft trend for 2024, and trying English paper piecing is a great way to get into it. It involves stitching tiny hexagons of fabric around pieces of paper to make beautiful quilted cushions, blankets and accessories. Go for a collection of ditsy floral fabrics to inject sunshine into your sewing. UNDER £5 LOVE HEART CRAFT SUPPLIES 3 of the BEST Candle-making kits What I’m making this month Spring is in the air and I’ve loved reflecting that in my projects. This month, I’ve been making cross-stitch bookmarks covered in flowers – tulips, bluebells and lavender are my favourites to stitch. I pop them in birthday cards for friends and family. Dates for your diary ✽ THE SCOTTISH QUILTING…

THE LOWDOWN While Kombucha, a tangy soft drink, has been around for hundreds of years, it’s only recently hit the mainstream – but what actually is it? Simply put, kombucha is a lightly effervescent drink made from tea, fermented with a little sugar and a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). Containing probiotics to boost gut health, it’s believed to help maintain a healthy community of microorganisms in the body. Kombuchas range from very acidic to thoroughly sweetened, with added flavours and benefits such as cola, CBD or extra caffeine, but all varieties should have the distinctive kombucha tang that fans find truly addictive. Check out our top picks (right) to see if there’s a kombucha lover hidden inside of you. 3 of the BEST KOMBUCHA Love it or…

Jo Checkley, editor-in-chief of Prima magazine, her husband, Graham, a housing designer, and their younger son, Ben, currently live in this four-bedroom link-detached house in Surrey. They moved here in 2004 and the kitchen had not been updated since the house was built in 1997. ‘The Shaker kitchen units were beech with blue-coloured panels and a contrasting laminate worktop with a ceramic tiled splashback above the worktop. Beech-effect laminate flooring extended into the dining room and hall with all the original fittings,’ says Jo. What kind of look did you want to achieve? We wanted a quality, contemporary look with built-in appliances, a solid quartz worktop and upstands, an improved layout and storage, together with modern lighting. We managed to reuse the Neff extractor hood from the previous kitchen. How…

There are few coastlines as gorgeous as the Dalmatian Coast, and you can discover this beautiful region of Croatia, plus neighbouring Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, on this seven-night tour staying in stylish hotels. You’ll begin in Croatia with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Split and Trogir. You’ll also visit Dubrovnik, known as ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Other stops include the sun-kissed Makarska Riviera and the outstanding Krka National Park. You’ll travel on to historic Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, where you’ll encounter pristine beaches, pine forests and medieval villages. Reasons to book TRENDY CROATIA Stay in two hotels in Croatia with glistening sea views. Spend a day touring Split, Croatia’s vibrant second city, and the walled island town of Trogir. Explore Krka National…

Nestled in the peaceful grounds of Rick Stein’s pub near Padstow are six new shepherd’s huts, perfect for a cosy couple of nights by the sea. Each wooden hut has a bright living and dining area, an en suite shower room, a kitchenette and a private patio. As you’d expect from a getaway in the grounds of a Rick Stein pub, food and drink will be a big part of your stay. You’ll be welcomed to your hut with a complimentary bottle of Rick Stein Château Bauduc Rosé wine. You’ll also be treated to a three-course dinner on one evening, plus breakfast on each morning of your stay. Reasons to book DELICIOUS FOOD Breakfast both mornings and a three-course à la carte dinner at The Cornish Arms is included, plus…

Frank & Red by Matt Coyne (Wildfire, £18.99) Frank is a grumpy old man living alone, with only the company of the ‘ghost’ of his dead wife, when Red and his newly separated mum move in next door. Curious and smart, six-year-old Red wants to be friends with Frank. The pair are such wonderful characters and I was utterly charmed by them from the very first page. A very funny story about friendship and acceptance. 1 February The List Of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey (Hutchinson Heinemann, £14.99) A coming-of-age story set in 1970s Yorkshire. Twelve-year-old Miv’s family are debating moving south because of the Yorkshire Ripper attacks and murders. She doesn’t want her life disrupted so, with her best friend, Sharon, sets about trying to solve the crimes and starts investigating…

One of our foremost historical novelists, Philippa Gregory wrote her first novel, Wideacre, while completing a PhD in 18th-century literature. Her flair for blending history and imagination led to many bestselling titles, including The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen. Her landmark non-fiction book Normal Women: 900 Years Of Making History is a radical reframing of our nation’s story. ‘The only way to become a writer is to read, read, read,’ says Philippa. ‘As a child, I visited the library every week. I learned to write in a newsroom. I went to university to study literature, but I took an introduction to history module taught by Maurice Hutt – I was hooked and switched to history. I’m still a voracious reader. Books are the most accessible art form in…